bioMérieux debuts molecular test for heat-resistant molds in juice products

U.S.A. – bioMérieux, a world leader in the field of in vitro diagnostics has launched GENE-UP® PRO HRM, the first DNA-based test commercially developed to detect heat-resistant molds at the molecular level, for juice and concentrate products.

Developed in partnership with Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc., the testing innovation can accurately identify the presence of viable heat-resistant molds with validated equivalency to established reference methods. 

GENE-UP® PRO HRM also provides a significantly shorter result time, reducing the current from 15 days down to 72 hours. 

The reduction ensures improved operational efficiencies, minimizes manufacturer storage costs, and safeguards brand reputation among consumers.

GENE-UP® PRO HRM can be implemented alongside bioMérieux’s GENE-UP® PRO ACB. This real-time PCR assay detects and predicts spoilage due to Alicyclobacillus, causing off flavors and aromas in finished juice products. 

Together, the offering collectively speeds up and boosts confidence in the quality process across all major beverage spoilage concerns while also reducing costs and improving yield.

“bioMérieux is a longstanding diagnostic partner of the beverage industry, and we’re always up for the challenge of solving our customers’ toughest spoilage problems,” said Ben Pascal, global head of the xPRO™ Program at bioMérieux. 

While typically posing no public health or safety risk, in recent years, heat-resistant molds have become a top quality concern and operational bottleneck for beverage and concentrate manufacturers. 

Unlike other yeast and mold test kits in the market, GENE-UP® PRO HRM is an innovative and complete testing solution that targets ascospore profiles to ultimately determine the presence of viable heat-resistant molds, resulting in the most comprehensive and reliable testing solution available today.

“We embraced the opportunity to partner with Ocean Spray to create a custom microbiology quality control test that had broader implications for all juice and concentrate manufacturers,” Pascal added.

Chris McNamara, Ocean Spray’s FSQA Senior Manager, said the company’s loyal consumers trust the high quality of its products and the integrity of its brand. 

He added that as the juice industry has evolved, so has the risk profile for spoilage concerns, and as a farmer-owned cooperative, innovation remains central to the company’s approach. 

“Partnering with bioMérieux resulted in the development of a cutting-edge quality control solution with benefits not just for Ocean Spray but the industry at large,” McNamara said.

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